RevUp: From Insights to Greater Heights – A Startup Roadshow that Ignited Innovation at SLSU Lucena Campus | Southern Luzon State University Southern Luzon State University

In a bold move to empower young innovators and future founders, Startup Roadshow brought together students, faculty, startup enthusiasts, and experts in a one-of-a-kind roadshow, held in partnership with the Innovation CONSortium (ICONS) South Luzon, University of the Philippines Los Baños Technology Transfer and Technology Business Development Office (UPLB TTBDO), UPLB Sibol Business Incubator (SBI), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Southern Luzon State University Innovation and Technology Support Services Office (SLSU ITSSO) and SLSU Technology Business Incubator (TBI). The activity was attended by 100 participants composed of SLSU Lucena Campus faculties, researchers and students from tech-based courses. Held at the Covered Court of SLSU Lucena Campus, participants excitedly lined up for registration and visited the DICT booth, where exclusive collectibles were given away through the promotion of their eGov application.

The event opened with a welcome message from Dr. Jess Mark L. Alinea, Campus Director of SLSU-Lucena, delivering the earnest message from Dr. Frederick T. Villa, University President of SLSU, highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration for regional growth that should start within the university.

Ms. Cathrene Amante, University Research Associate I, from the UPLB TTBDO and SBI kicked off the learning sessions with The Startup Playbook—a roadmap on how to turn ideas into viable business models, identify markets, and build with purpose. Encouraging students to be part of the growing Philippine Startup Ecosystem. Ms. Amante also highlighted partner NGAs, investors and enablers that can help them fund their tech-business ideas.

Ms. Evelyn Rose Hernandez, Project Development Officer II, from the DICT Region IV-A CALABARZON followed, highlighting how the government is actively supporting startup growth through enabling policies, digital tools, and innovation hubs. They are also the ones that initiated the 1st Philippine Startup Challenge in the CALABARZON region wherein, SUCs and HEIs actively participated.

Ms. Keisha Denolo, founder of Foggy Ecoworks, shared her journey as a startup founder tackling sustainability challenges. Her story was a powerful reminder that real-world impact often begins with a simple idea and a strong mission. Keeping her why to continue with her business solution.

A lively Fireside Chat allowed attendees to ask direct questions to the speakers—on topics like building teams, dealing with failure, and where to find support for startup journeys. Though there are limited questions from the SLSU students, Mr. Giehway Liwanag, Science Research Specialist of SLSU-TBI, encouraged everyone to be part of the startup ecosystem and take advantage of the resources available while they are still in the university.

After a short break, Mr. Arvin Castro, Project Technical Aide III, of UPLB-TTBDO shared the inspiring story behind ICONs South Luzon, a grassroots network built to connect student entrepreneurs, technopreneurs, and innovation leaders across the region.

Then came the much-awaited Pitch Sprint! Facilitated by Ms. Eunice Dianne Algar, University Research Associate I, asked the participants to form a group of five, with 15 minutes to brainstorm, 1 minute to pitch! Judges evaluated each pitch based on innovation, feasibility, and impact. This fast-paced exercise pushed participants to think critically, collaborate under pressure, and communicate their ideas effectively—mirroring real startup experiences.

To wrap up the event, Dr. Nona D. Nagares, Director of SLSU-ITSSO delivered a heartfelt closing message: “Each of us is a big part of a community—and each one has the potential to make a greater impact.” Finally, Ms. Amante officially closed the program, thanking all participants, partners, and supporters—especially DICT and SLSU—for helping make the event a success.

From insights to action, the Startup Roadshow proved that the startup spirit in South Luzon is strong, determined, and ready to scale greater heights. With sustained collaboration between universities, government, and enablers, this community is poised to become a launchpad for the next wave of innovative Filipino startups.

Let’s continue building, connecting, and growing—together.